2024 marks a monumental year for One Piece as it expands its reach beyond the anime and manga world to partner with the world-renowned entertainment arena, Sphere, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This collaboration signifies a significant milestone for Eiichiro Oda’s iconic series, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Sphere Collaboration: Toei Animation announced the collaboration with Sphere, where the exterior of the screen will stream One Piece episodes from June 10th to June 16th. This initiative aims to promote and advertise the franchise to a wider audience.
Launch of One Piece Cafe: Las Vegas is now home to the first One Piece cafe in America, further solidifying the series’ presence in the global entertainment scene.
Debut of English YouTube Channel: Alongside the Sphere collaboration, One Piece will launch its first English YouTube channel, providing fans worldwide with accessible content and a deeper understanding of the franchise.
Expansion of One Piece Universe: The collaboration with Sphere is expected to boost various aspects of the One Piece franchise, including anime, live-action adaptations, gaming series, and remakes by WIT Studios.
Global Recognition: One Piece has garnered significant global recognition, evident from its collaborations with prominent brands like PUMA, Cloud9, Culturefly, and Trends International. This elevation in status highlights the series’ growing popularity and appeal beyond its traditional fanbase.
While One Piece celebrates its successes, some Dragon Ball fans have expressed dissatisfaction with Toei Animation’s focus on the former. They feel overshadowed by One Piece’s collaborations and believe that Dragon Ball deserves more attention from the studio.
Jealousy and Criticism: Dragon Ball fans have criticized Toei Animation and Eiichiro Oda for diverting attention away from Dragon Ball. They perceive the collaboration with Sphere as a slight against their beloved franchise and have resorted to derogatory remarks towards One Piece and its creator.
Defending Oda and One Piece: One Piece fans have rallied in support of their favorite series and its creator, denouncing the negativity from Dragon Ball fans. They highlight the success and deserving nature of One Piece’s collaborations, emphasizing the series’ achievements in 2024.
While Dragon Ball undeniably boasts a larger global fanbase, the success of One Piece and its collaborations should be celebrated. The partnership with Sphere signifies a new chapter in One Piece’s journey, showcasing its enduring popularity and cultural impact. Ultimately, the rivalry between fandoms should not detract from the appreciation of both iconic series and their contributions to the world of entertainment.